Villa Higiea

Now completely remodelled, this elegant villa continues to attract attention and admiration.Originally known as Villa Kottowitz, it was named after the spa doctor and director, Dr. Gustav Kottowitz, who built the villa on the land that he had purchased from farmer Gašper Jablanšek around 1855. The doctor was fluent in Slovenian. He settled down in the villa and rented out several rooms to more eminent guests. In 1859, when management of the spa was taken over by the provincial authorities, a Dr. Schuler was appointed the new spa doctor, while Kottowitz sold the villa and left to work in Tobelbad. The villa was bought by Count Gustav Egger, who then sold it to the spa in 1876.

The villa is built on a stone wall. As evident from old pictures, it used to give the impression of a fairytale castle. After World War II , it was almost entirely remodelled inside and out, losing its original architectural features. After the war, it was known as the Belgrade Dependency. Today, the villa houses several rooms, a wedding hall and a wine cellar.